Polishing kit



Se t. 26, 1950 c. HJKREIDLER 2,523,909

POLISHING KIT Filed Dec. 29, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN TOR.

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Sept. 26, 1950 c. H. KREIDLER 2,523,909

I Pousninc KIT Filed 1793. 29, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 1 .5 IFIEE LOW DENSITY POROUS LAMINATIONS RELATIVELY 'smous AND F's 5 COMPACT LAMINATIONS 1 15-7 6342A H. K2 5222 22. BY

MP/v m Patented Sept. 26, 1950 UNITED srare g T FFICE' 7 Claims.

. I This invention relates to a polishing kit. The work of applying a polishingmedium to an object and then rubbing the object to produce the desired sheen or gloss finish is usually a disagreeable task in a home, office or store. It entails the handling of a container of polishing material and an applicator, such as a cloth to which the polishing material in the container is applied, and by which the polishing material is applied to the object to be polished. A polishing or rubbing cloth is then used to rub the surface and produce the desired sheen. The handling of the applicator and the container is disagreeable because of the nature of the polishing material. This is particularly true in the case of shoe polish, which contains coloring material. Therefore, it is the primary object of this invention to provide a polishing kit which includes an applicator to which polishing material has been applied at a limited area thereof in a manner to permit handling of the applicator without necessitating touching of the polishing material in use.

A further object is to provide a complete kit for performing a polishing operation, which kit is formed entirely from disposable material.

A further object is to provide a polishing kit formed of a plurality of units each adequate to perform a given polishing operation, each unit being self-contained and detachably connected to 'or wrapped with other units for individual removal from the assembly.

A further object is to provide a polishing kit comprising an applicator to which polishing material is applied, removable means for preventing spreading of the polishing material, and a rubbing member, all contained in a normally sealed and. readily disposable package or container.

'A further object is to provide a polish applicator comprising a had formed of multiple thicknesses of an absorbent cellulose tissue having a portion only of a limited number of layers thereof impregnated with polishing material and provided with a non-permeable shield interposed between the impregnated and non-impregnated layers and a second shield applied over the exposed surface of the impregnated area.

A further object is to provide a kit of this character including an elongated laminar unit of absorbent cellulose tissue provided with a transverse weakened portion to accommodate separation of the unit into two parts, one of said parts being impregnated at a limited area and to a limited depth with polishing material.

A further object is to provide a novel method of making a polishing kit.

Other objects will be apparent from the description and appended claims.

In the drawing:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the polishing kit.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the polishing kit in open position.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a unit of the polishing kit removed from its wrapping.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a unit of the polishing kit in extended or open position.

Fig. 5 is an end view, as seen from the left in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is an end view illustrating the manner in which a barrier sheet is applied in the applicator portion. I

Fig. 7 is an end view, with parts shown in section, and illustrating the manner in which the polishing material is applied to the applicator.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the blank of which the kit if formed, in partly folded form.

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate the invention embodied in a form intended for use as a polishing kit for shining shoes,the numeral ill designates a unit which contains a polish applicator l2 and a polishing sheet hi. These two items are enclosed within a wrapping or envelope [6. A plurality of these units are shown interconnected in Fig. 2, and the interconnected units are shown superimposed and held together in compact form in Fig. 1, in which latter form they are preferably offered for sale.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention as here illustrated, the polish applicator l2 and the polishing sheet M are formed from a single rectangular sheet of material 118, such as absorbent cellulose or paper tissue of which many types are now available on the market. Examples of such material are tissues commonly sold and available as facial tissues, and tissues of the type commonly used by doctors and dentists. The latter material has been found to be particularly well suited to this use because it has more body and greater strength than some tissues of this type, being characterized by lamination with a sheet of low density and high porosity, of a sheet of a greater density and strength and lower porosity. Hence the laminated sheet has a relativel compacted or dense structure at one surface and a highly absorbent or porous structure at the other surface. The sheet l8 has a plurality of parallel folds 29 formed therein to provide an elongated laminated or multiple thickness structure. In one form, this sheet, when folded to the shape shown in Fig. 4, i approximately 14 inches long and 2 inches wide; but

it will be understood that these dimensions have been given only for purposes of illustration and that the size of the folded sheet is a matter of choice and may be determined by such factors as convenience, intended use or purpose, and the like. The number of fold is likewise subject to variation at will according to intended use or purpose and other factors such as the strength of the tissue used. Thus, for shoe shining purposes, more folds may be required if the tissue employed is weak than if a tissue of greater strength is used. Hence, the arrangement shown which provides four thicknesses of the tissue is illustrative and not limiting.

The folded elongated sheet l8 above described is preferably perforated or weakened transversely at 22 adjacent one end, so that it may be separated or torn apart easily. The torn or separated sections will serve as the polish applicator I2 and the polishing sheet I.

The polish applicator l2 has a barrier sheet 24 interposed therein parallel to and between folds or laminations at an intermediate position of the folded structure. This barrier sheet is preferably formed of wax paper or other material which the polishing material 26, such as shoe polish, will not penetrate. The polishing material 26 is preferably of the paste or wax type, as distinguished from the liquid type, and impregnates the laminated tissues from the surface to the depth determined by the position of the barrier sheet 24 and also forms a coating or thin cake at the surface of the applicator. This coating and impregnation of polishing material is of limited extent, that is, it is preferably spaced from the edges of the applicator and is of predetermined area. The impregnation of the tissue by the polish serves to anchor the polish to the tissue pad and to unify and strengthen the pad. Any desired method of applying the polishing material 26 may be practiced. One method which has been found to be satisfactory is illustrated in Fig. 7, and consists of applying the polishing material, while heated sufficiently to render it fluid, by pouring a predetermined quantity thereof into a tubular member 28 pressed against the folded sheet I8. The polishing material is confined by member 28 and seeks its own level therein to insure an application thereof upon the tissue in uniform thickness. The polishing material sets up quickly as it cools, So that its impregnation in the sheet, which is limited as to depth by the barrier sheet 24-, is also limited laterally of or in the plane of the pad substantially to the area outlined by the member 28 by the combined factors of the pressure applied to said member and the rapid setting of the polishing material into solid form. The time required for setting of the polish is rapid, so the operation is well adapted to be performed by automatic machinery (not shown) of the intermittently operated type in which folded sheets of tissue are fed in a stepby-step movement to a polish applying station at which the member 28 is located. It will be understood that padded or laminated tissues of a size to constitute only a polish applicator may be processed individually in the manner described, and that the invention is not limited to the formation or processing of the applicator as an integral severable portion of a combination or elongated sheet as illustrated.

In the form of the article illustrated, the elongated severable sheet is folded transversely at substantially equally spaced fold lines 30, preferably in a fan fold as shown in Fig. 3, after the polishing material is applied to applicator portion i2 thereof. The applicator portion is preferably positioned outermost in the folded pack, with the coating of polish 26 positioned outwardly. A protective sheet 32, such as wax paper, is applied over the polish coating 26. Sheet 32 serves the dual function of retarding drying of the polishing material and facilitating handling and packing without contacting the polishing material.

The completed kit unit or pack is enclosed within the wrapping l5 which is preferably made of a material such as cellophane which can be sealed to exclude air. .Any desired wrapping can be employed. In cases where a plurality of kits are sold as a group, as shoe polishing kits, it may be desirable to employ a. wrapping as shown in Fig. 2. The wrapping 55 here constitutes an elongated sheet of cellophane or like material on which the individual packs are arranged in spaced relation and substantially aligned. The cellophane is folded longitudinally around the aligned packs and the lap ioint of the sheet (not shown) is sealed. Alternatively, a preformed open-ended cellophane tube may be employed, in which the units are inserted in desired spaced positions. The opposite walls of the cellophane sheath or open-ended envelope are then adhered in face arrangement at 34 transversely thereof at its ends and also between adjacent packs. The transverse seals are preferably broad bonds 34 of adhesion, which are longitudinall centrally perforated or weakened at 36 to provide tear lines. The article may be marketed in this form. but I prefer to fold the elongated wrapped article in the manner illustrated in Fig. 1 where the wrapping is folded between the packs or units to place the same in superimposed position. The fold may of the coiled type shown wherein one end pack Ill is innermost, or may be a fan fold. A seal strip 38, such as heat-adhered cellophane tape or a tape coated with pressure-sensitive or other adhesive serves to hold the folded and wrapped article in the compact folded form.

It will be apparent that the shoe polish kit Shown is very convenient and may be used easily and without danger of the polish touching the hands or the clothing of the user. The seal strip 38 is severed or detached for access to one of the end packs Ill which can be torn or severed from the remaining packs by tearing thereof along perforated line 36. This tearing operation does not break the seal of the packs because it occurs centrally of the broad seal band 34 between the adjacent packs. The remaining packs l0 of the kit can be replaced as a unit to their storage place, as in a purse or a drawer. The pack removed for use is easily opened by tearing or cutting the wrapping or envelope l6, opening the folded tissue sheet, and severing the applicator portion 52 from the sheet I l along the perforated line 22. The outer protective sheet 32 is then removed from the applicator pad and the applicator is ready for use, i. e., for applying polishing material to the shoes or other surface to be polished. The rubbing sheet i4 is then used to bufi or rub the object to be polished. The entire article, i. e. wrapping, applicator and rubbing sheet l4 can then be disposed of, as in a waste paper basket.

The kit is a self-contained unit which provides all materials necessary for a polishing operation in a convenient form to permit the polishing operation to be done quickly and effectively without messiness or danger of soiling clothin and to permit disposal of the parts of the kit when the operation is completed. The article is effectively sealed and is compact, so that it can be carried in a pocket or purse or stored in a small space, as in a drawer, without danger of soiling other contents of the storage place. Where multiple kits are sold as a unit, each unit is readily removable as needed without destroying the sealed wrapping of the remaining units. The individual units or kits are easily opened and conditioned for use, again without danger of soiling hands or clothing.

The construction of the applicator is of particular advantage. The laminated tissue forms a base whose laminations are adhered and strengthened by the impregnation of the polishin material therein. Although the tissue base is absorbent, the barrier sheet 2 effectively lim its the depth of impregnation of the polish and assures that the surface of the applicator opposite its polish applyin surface remains clean and dry, and also prevents the polishing material from entering the rubbing sheet M. The surface sheet 32 facilitates handling of the applicator, as the removal thereof from the wrapping and the separation thereof from the rubbing sheet l4, and said sheet cooperates with the barrier sheet to prevent drying and hardening of the polishing material. The use of a solid polishing material of Waxy or paste-like consistency, coupled with the provision of the protective and barrier sheets, assures limitation of the area of the applicator which is impregnated, and permits retention of a margin of the applicator in dry or untreated condition which facilitates handlin of the applicator in use without touching the polishing material.

7 While the invention has been illustrated and described in its preferred form for use as a shoe polish kit, it may be embodied in other forms for other uses or purposes within the spirit of the invention. Thus, while the applicator and rubbing sheet have been shown as separable parts of a single base sheet, they may be formed separately and from different materials. Thus, the rubbing sheet may constitute a woven cloth sheet instead of the paper-like or cellulose tissues described above. Also, the applicator may be formed of different material. In this connection different polishes, such as polishes for diiferent uses, may have properties which require applicator-carriers and rubbing sheets of properties diiferent from the materials described. For instance, a polish applicator might be provided with a cloth base, or with a base similar to a paper blotter either of the plain type or the type having a calendered substantially non-absorbent backing sheet. It will be understood that the materials mentioned above as alternatives are illustrative, and that I do not intend to be limited thereto. Another embodiment of the applicants invention, wherein the applicator portion is impregnated with a material forming a barrier to the spreading of the polish material 26, forms the subject of my co-pending patent application, Ser. No. 688,008, filed August 2, 1946, which has matured into Patent No. 2,491,864, granted Dec. 20, 1949.

I claim:

1. A polish applicator comprisin a laminated pad including absorbent laminations and at least one non-absorbent lamination, and a coating of normally solid polishing material covering a limited area of one surface of said pad and impregnating and adhering a plurality of absorbent laminations between said surface and said non-absorbent lamination, and a non-absorbent sheet spanning and removably adhered to the surface of said coating.

2. A polish applicator comprising a laminated pad formed of absorbent paper tissue, a wax paper sheet interposed between adjacent laminations within said pad, a normally solid polishing material coating at least a limited area of one surface of said pad and impregnating and adhering the laminations of said pad beneath said surface area from said surface to said wax paper sheet, and a second wax paper sheet span= ning and detachably adhered to the surface of said polishing material.

3. In a polishing kit, a sheet of absorbent material folded upon itself to provide, an elongated pad-like member, said member being weakened along a transverse line adjacent one end thereof, for separation into a rubbing portion and an applicator portion, said applicator portion being coated for at least a limited area of one face thereof and impregnated inwardly from said coated area to a limited depth only with anormally solid polishing material to adhere some of the laminations of said applicator portion.

4. In a polishing kit, a sheet of absorbent material folded upon itself to provide an elongated pad-like member, said member being weakened along a transverse line adjacent one end thereof, for separation into a rubbing portion and an applicator portion, said applicator portion being coatedfor at least a limited area of one face thereof and impregnated inwardly from said coated area to a limited depth only with a normally solid polishing material for face adhesion of some of the laminations of; said applicator portion, said member being folded transversely to compact size with said coated applicator surface positioned outwardly.

5. In a polishing kit, a sheet of absorbent material folded upon itself to provide an elongat ed pad-like member, said member bein weakened along atransverse line adjacent one end thereof, for separation into a rubbin portion and an applicator portion, said applicator portion being coated for at least a limited area of one face thereof and impregnated inwardly from said coated area to a limited depth only with a normally solid polishing material, and a barrier sheet interposed between folds of said member at said applicator portion to limit the depth of impregnation of said polishing material, said polishing material adhering the laminations at one side of said barrier sheet.

6. In a polishing kit, a sheet of absorbent material folded upon itself to provide an elongated pad-like member, said member being weakened along a transverse line adjacent one end thereof, for separation into a rubbing portion and an applicator portion, said applicator portion being coated for at least a limited area of one face thereof and impregnated inwardly from said coated area to a limited depth only with a normally solid polishin material, and a barrier sheet interposed between folds of said member at said applicator portion to limit the depth of impregnation of said polishing material, and a non-absorbent sheet spanning and detachably adhered to the surface of said coating, the laminations of said applicator portion between said barrier sheet and non-absorbent sheet being adhered by said polishing material.

7. In a polishing kit, a sheet of absorbent tissue folded upon itself to provide an elongated pad-like member, said member being weakened along a transverse line adjacent one end thereof, for separation into a rubbing portion and an applicator portion, said applicator portion being coated for at least a limited area of one face thereof and impregnated inwardly from said coated area to a limited depth only with a normally solid polishing material, said tissue sheet bein laminated and including a highly absorbent lamination and a second lamination of greater density and strength, said polishing material adhering some laminations of said applicator portions.

CARL H. KREIDLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 412,861 Robson Oct. 15, 1889 774,380 Cutter Nov. 8, 1904 Number Name Date Dunn May 18, 1909 Hudson Apr. 25, 1911 Fradette Sept. 21, 1915 De Barry Jan. 23, 1923 Walker Apr. 29, 1930 Zuckerman Dec. 30, 1930 Ames Dec. 15, 1931 Miller Aug. 15, 1933 Howard May 22, 1934 French et a1 Dec. 25, 1934 Kingman Nov. 16, 1937 Kingman May 9, 1939 Ward Apr. 23, 1940 Hester June 18, 1940 Grant Dec. 3, 1940 Wedderburn June 29, 1943 Makela Dec. 7, 1943 Mathieu Sept. 5, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Dec. 28, 1931 

